The bill, H.B. No. 296, introduces a new section to the Government Code that restricts political subdivisions from using public funds for lobbying activities. Specifically, it prohibits these subdivisions from spending public funds to hire lobbyists or to pay nonprofit organizations that employ lobbyists for the purpose of lobbying members of the legislature. However, there are exceptions for associations that solely represent elected sheriffs or law enforcement officers, as well as provisions that allow political subdivision employees to provide information to legislators or advocate for legislation without requiring lobbyist registration. Additionally, if a political subdivision violates this restriction, taxpayers or residents can seek injunctive relief and recover attorney's fees if they prevail in such actions.

The bill also amends the Local Government Code to clarify that county commissioners can spend money from the county's general fund for membership fees in nonprofit state associations of counties, provided they do not engage in lobbying activities as defined by the new restrictions. The amendments ensure that any activities prohibited under the new section will not be allowed, and they establish that the new regulations will apply only to expenditures made after the bill's effective date. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 89.002 (Local Government Code 89)